Pain Killing Decision Lies With Ferguson

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is placing no pressure on midfielder Barry Ferguson as to whether he does or does not have a painkilling injection for a broken rib. The decision lies with the player.

Ferguson picked up the injury in the Carling Cup final when challenging for the ball with Arsenal`s Samir Nasri. He missed the defeat against West Brom and his absence was all too clear for all to see.

But the decision on whether to take a needle is up to the player.

McLeish told PA Sport: 'We all have key players. But I'm not going to force the player into doing it. His welfare comes first and it must come from him if he makes the decision to have the jab.'

He added: 'Barry has had this before when I was at Rangers in a Scottish Cup final.

'Perhaps it was easier then, but there can be things done to alleviate it, in terms of an injection.

'Barry, the doctor and I were discussing it on Saturday because he hates missing matches.

'Of course, he is a key component in our games just like Cesc Fabregas is a talisman to Arsenal and Wayne Rooney for Manchester United.'